In our world of rock and metal music, there are few voices as iconic as that of Jack Russell. Unfortunately, the great frontman of Great White left us some days ago (on August 15th, 2024), since he died of Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy. Myth of Rock, shocked by the death of a true rock star, is writing an article about Russell, who did not only epitomized Great White’s blues-infused hard rock sound but also embodied the spirit of the golden era of melodic/glam/hair metal.
by Dimitris Zacharopoulos
Born in Montebello, California, on December 5, 1960, Jack Russell grew up during a time when rock music was undergoing a transformative evolution. Influenced by the giants of the ’70s, like Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith, Russell possessed a voice that could soar to ethereal heights while still resonating with the grounded, emotional depth of the blues.
Great White, formed in 1977, struggled in the beginning to find its place in a crowded Los Angeles music scene, which was dominated by bands chasing the latest trends. But it was Russell’s voice, combined with the band’s talent and urge, that set them apart. The band’s breakthrough came with the release of “Once Bitten…” in 1987, which catapulted them to fame with hits like “Rock Me” and “Save Your Love”. The follow-up album, “…Twice Shy” (1989), further solidified their thesis in rock history with the huge hit “Once Bitten, Twice Shy”, a cover of Ian Hunter’s song that they made their own.
Russell was the undeniable star of these records. HIs voice carried the weight of every emotion, whether it was the ache of broken hearts or the joy of reckless living. His vulnerability and bravado resonated deeply with fans and set him among the great rock vocalists of his generation.
However, Russell’s journey was not without its challenges. The ’90s brought changes in the music industry, and the rise of grunge signaled a shift away from the style of rock that had made Great White famous. Despite these challenges, Russell remained a steadfast figure in the band, guiding them through turbulent times with his unwavering dedication to the music.
The darkest chapter in Great White’s history came in 2003, during a concert at The Station nightclub in Rhode Island, where a fire broke out, leading to the death of 100 people. This event left an indelible scar on Russell, who has spoken openly about the profound impact it had on him personally and professionally. It was a tragedy that would have broken many, but Russell’s resilience shone through as he continued to perform and create music.
In the years that followed, Jack Russell continued to perform under the banner of Jack Russell’s Great White. Despite facing personal battles with health issues and substance abuse, Russell’s passion for rock and roll never wavered. His voice still carried the same power and emotion that had captivated audiences decades earlier.
What set Jack Russell apart was not only his vocal prowess, but also his ability to connect with his audience on a deeply personal level. In a genre often characterized by larger-than-life personas, Russell’s authenticity and humility stood out. He was never afraid to show his scars, both literal and metaphorical, to his fans, and it is this honesty that has endeared him to generations of rock enthusiasts.
In the end, Jack Russell’s legacy is one of perseverance, talent, and an unbreakable bond with the music that has carried him through the storm. His voice never lost the ability to touch the hearts of those who hear it. For Jack Russell was not just a singer; he was the heart and soul of Great White, a personality that enriched the world of hard rock/metal.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Russell.
DId you know that …
- Jack Russell met Mark Kendall (Great White’s lead guitarist) in a concert and began plans to form a band called Dante Fox. Band manager Alan Niven and Kendall decided to change the name of the band to Great White, Kendall’s nickname.
- In 1979, Russell was arrested for the attempted robbery of a drug dealer’s home while high on PCP. He fired a shot into the house that accidentally struck and injured the housekeeper, who survived the incident. Russell was sentenced to eight years in prison, but was released after 11 months.
- He released two solo albums, “Shelter Me” (1996) and “For You” (2002).
- He left the reunited Great White in 2009 due to a fall in his bathroom, where he cracked two vertebrae and herniated a disc. He had multiple back surgeries and was using a plethora of pain medication.
- Having fully recovered and sober, he started touring again as Jack Russell’s Great White in December 2011 to avoid confusion with the still-touring official Great White band, which had continued onward in 2009 with a different singer following Russell’s departure.
- On March 25, 2011, he and his girlfriend Heather Ann Kramer were married.
- In 2017, Jack Russell’s Great White released their first album titled “He Saw It Comin’”.
- In August 2021, Jack Russell’s Great White released a sequel to Great White’s 1998 tribute album to Led Zeppelin titled “Great Zeppelin II: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin”.
- In January 2024, Russell released a collaboration album with L.A. Guns guitarist Tracii Guns, titled “Medusa”. This was Russell’s final studio recording before his death.
